STEM MAD is a celebration of student learning designed to acknowledge and promote STEM learning initiatives that address real-world problems. The program encourages students to ‘make a difference’ (MAD) by addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by communities and the planet. Originally the College had seven teams of Year 7 and 8 students take part and develop assistive technology and concepts. These included a ‘Diabetes Insulin Flap’, ‘Translation Map Navigator’ and a ‘Read Easy with Assistance for Dyslexia’ app.

Late last term, five of those teams were invited to showcase their designs at the Catholic Leadership Centre and a number of groups were awarded prizes on the day. Three teams were then selected to progress to the national finals and present their work at the ‘National Catholic Education Conference’. We are thrilled to announce that the ‘MyMedSecure’ team (Year 7 students, Aathira B, Madeline R and Amelie B) won the ‘Best Assistive Device Award (Secondary).

We congratulate, not only our wonderful students for the hours they invested into this project, but also our Learning Leader: Digital Technologies, Ms Adrienne Donoghue for securing the original grant and enthusiastically leading the students to their final products. We also thank Ms Sue Grima, Wellbeing Leader: Years 7 to 9 and Science Teacher for her assistance in bringing this unique opportunity for so many of our junior students to life. We are incredibly proud of all students who participated and know that our future is in good hands.